Multiple hydro-electric schemes

24th February 2015

There remains significant potential for hydro-electric power generation in Scotland and some sites are lucky enough to be able to offer the potential for more than one hydro-electric scheme, such as Glenmoriston Estate, Inverness-shire, currently being marketed by Knight Frank.

Multiple hydro-electric schemes in close proximity will often benefit from shared infrastructure and a shared grid connection, with resulting economies of scale. Landowners can choose whether to take on the development of the schemes themselves or involve a hydro developer, whether by leasing the sites to a developer or entering into a JV arrangement. Some landowners mix and match, with some schemes being developed by the landowners and others being developed by a hydro developer.

The interaction of the rights and responsibilities of the various project owners and the sharing of the grid connection agreement requires to be carefully handled. Turcan Connell has experience of sites with multiple hydro-electric schemes and can provide specialist advice to landowners who are considering such a development.